Being unemployed long-term is a tough situation to be in. You can become very isolated and lose much of your self-esteem. However, there are a number of ways that you can get back on your feet and start looking for work again.
The most important thing is to have the right mindset. You have to be positive and confident, willing to take risks, open to change and willing to learn new skills. It can also be helpful if you are prepared to take on part time work that is not in your field of expertise or commute further than usual.
With that in mind, below you’ll find some ways of finding work when you have been unemployed long-term so that you can get back into the workplace successfully.
Work on your CV and cover letter
Once you’ve decided to apply for a job, the first step is to take an honest look at your CV. Are the dates accurate? Is the information relevant to the job you are applying for? Is it well written? If not, it may be time to update your CV and cover letter so that they better reflect who you are now as opposed to who you were in previous roles.
In addition to ensuring that your CV is up-to-date, be sure that it reflects your current experience and skills rather than focusing on past jobs or skills that may not be relevant in this role.
If you’ve been out of the game for a long time and aren’t sure where to start, there are numerous online resources offering resume templates and cover letter samples to help you out.
Go back to education or become certified
If you feel as though your long-term unemployment has prevented you from keeping up with the rapidly changing job market, then going back to educationl may be a good option for you.
Education can open up career paths that were previously unavailable or inaccessible due to having outdated skills and knowledge bases. It can also increase confidence by providing structure and support in an environment where there are no expectations other than those you put upon yourself.
If you can’t commit to a full-time program of study, you could consider applying for an apprenticeship or traineeship, or undertaking an online certification course.
Volunteer
If you still feel you’re lacking relevant and recent experience on your CV, consider volunteering to bulk it out a little.
Volunteering can be a good way to get back into the workforce if you are long-term unemployed or even just enduring seasonal unemployment. Many companies look for volunteer work on resumes, and it’s a good way to showcase your skills.
Volunteering shows potential employers that you are serious about working again. You may not be paid but it is worth doing if it helps your CV stand out from other applicants
Start a Business Blog
If you can’t find full-time employment, consider starting a blog about your business or industry. Writing a blog on a subject about which you are knowledgeable is a great way to get your name out there and show employers you are serious about your field.
A blog can be powerful for personal branding purposes, and helps you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs. You can use your blog not only as a way to promote yourself but also to earn money as well.
Start Your Own Business
Starting your own business isn’t always easy, but if done right could lead to good results down the line and mean that you can be your own boss for a while.
The key is to look for something you’re passionate about. If you’re feeling creative, consider starting a small business with arts and crafts or other types of handmade goods.There are many ways to make money as an entrepreneur; just make sure whatever you choose is something that interests you enough to keep working on it once the initial excitement wears off.
Network
Among all the different types of unemployment, being unemployed long-term can be one of the trickiest to get out of. In such cases. networking is a great way to get your name out there, as well as to find out about other job opportunities that might not be advertised
There are also a number of ways to network at conferences, seminars and workshops.You should also use social media to your advantage. Online communities such as LinkedIn offer even more opportunities for making connections and asking questions about career options. Just be strategic about who you’re networking with and why.
